Chapter 2064: Chapter 2064

After a temporary farewell to the sulking princess and her maid, who was trying her best to look serious despite her blushing cheeks, Jenkins took his cat for a stroll around the church. He happened to run into Magic Miss and Silver Flute Miss, so he told them about his recent encounter with Hooded Man.

He didn't use the chance to say a final farewell. After all, he would see them again after returning from the Evergreen Forest. He wanted to ensure Jessica Windsor's security was properly arranged, regardless of whether he was present or not.

Their conversation was brief, and once Jenkins had departed, Magic Miss stroked her chin, a thoughtful look crossing her face.

"Usually, when you make that face, it means you've come up with a new idea."

Silver Flute Miss remarked.

"I'm thinking of leaving the church for a bit," Magic Miss began. "Last time, I gave Jenkins a clue about a Bestowal. He mentioned later that there seemed to be some kind of stone slate fragment near the key. Since I have to see Hooded Man anyway, I might as well look for that fragment. His temporary residence is in that area. Do you want to come with me?"

"But what about Miss Windsor's safety?"

"She won't be leaving the church for now, and there's no place safer... Besides, I have a bold idea. If we pull this off, Jenkins will reward us with far more than just an honorary title... Don't you fancy a grand estate with a garden and courtyard in the heart of Bel Diran? We might even get a noble title—how does 'Duchess Mistala Forant' sound? Or are you content living in that small house near the Nolan Docklands forever?"

As Jenkins's neighbor, Silver Flute Miss's house was by no means small, but she couldn't help but let her mind drift to the future Magic Miss was painting.

"Let's wait a bit. I need to think things through more carefully. After all, an opportunity is hard to come by."

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At half-past six that evening, Jenkins set out for the Evergreen Forest with a contingent from the Church.

The ground was thick with ash, as no one had been out to sweep. Yet the streets were far from deserted. In fact, there were more people out than usual for this time of night. They trudged onward under the streetlights, heads bowed and wrapped in cloth against the fallout.

A full day under lockdown, with ash raining from the sky, had made the populace keenly aware that something was terribly wrong. Those who had come to their senses earlier had been granted permission to venture out after Jenkins's afternoon address, and they were now trying to resume their daily lives.

Apocalypse or not, people still had to earn a living to survive. So, despite knowing the risks of being outside, a semblance of routine was slowly returning. This new normal was one set against a backdrop of catastrophe, and it might be vastly different from before, but no one was willing to let their family starve. Life had to go on.

The Evergreen Forest was a great distance from the city proper. A round trip by conventional carriage would consume the entire evening. And since there was more than one person making the journey, even having the Church's demigods fly them would require multiple trips.

To solve this, the Undead Knightly Order of the Church of Death and End was requisitioned. Jenkins had seen them on several occasions; they possessed a shared, linked ability and served as the backbone of the Death Church's fighting force. With the knights pulling the carriages, their speed increased dramatically. They could even leave the roads, traversing any terrain in a straight line. The journey from the Sage's Church in the city to the edge of the Evergreen Forest took a mere half hour.

Of the ladies, only Alexia accompanied Jenkins to the Evergreen Forest; it was safer for the others to remain behind at the church.

"Logically," Alexia began as their half-hour journey started, "even if the Difference Engine doesn't know you can wield any Bestowal, it would still anticipate the Church supplying you with as many numbered items as they can. So, not only will that tower likely try to restrict their use, but the Difference Engine is almost certainly planning something big near the Evergreen Forest."

The Church shared her assessment, which was why the Evergreen Forest had already been placed on the highest state of alert.

He replied with a hint of confidence from his seat inside the carriage. "I'm virtually invincible inside a forest."

"It's not that simple," she countered. "Do you really believe that massive fire in the southern primeval forest was merely a breeding ground for the Children of the Mist and a generator for more smoke? It was a test, probing for weaknesses, learning how to combat nature and the forest."

"So the Difference Engine will try to burn down the Evergreen Forest?"

"I can't say for certain, but a major battle is definitely coming."

Jenkins pushed open the carriage window, leaning out precariously to gaze toward the forest. Now that they had left the city lights behind, the distance was nothing but endless darkness and drifting ash. In this gloom, a forest fire would have stained the entire sky crimson. For the moment, at least, the Evergreen Forest seemed safe.

"Nothing yet, at least, but I can still prepare for the battle ahead."

He murmured, pulling himself back inside. He stroked his docile cat before taking out his cane and sword. The White Bone Holy Sword had been a gift from "Miss Fabry" in front of everyone, so he no longer had to hide it.

"The Difference Engine won't dare use its core to direct the fight; that would render the tower meaningless. As long as the core isn't involved, I should be able to handle anything else it throws at me."

"But don't forget," Alexia reminded him, "the Tree House has a 'gift' waiting for you before you even enter the tower. Are you certain you can handle a prolonged, high-intensity battle? They might be trying to exhaust you before you even get started."

"It'll be fine. And let's not underestimate the Church."

He closed his eyes, taking a moment to rest and steel himself for whatever lay ahead.

Ghostly blue flames wreathed the horses, riders, and carriages, lending the convoy the appearance of a spectral host riding forth from the netherworld. They arrived in silence at the edge of the Evergreen Forest. Even out here on the lightless city fringe, with the ashen haze veiling their vision, the forest's silhouette was visible in the distance.

Jenkins's eyes snapped open.

"Did you fall asleep?"

Alexia asked, closing the book in her lap.

"No, just resting my eyes. If I'd actually fallen asleep and dreamed of that enormous black cat again, my mental state would probably be even worse."

He said it with a jesting tone, which earned him an offended meow from the cat beside him. Chocolate was not the sort of cat to be trifled with when matters were serious.